Guaranteed Balcony Stateroom

Guarantee - Balcony Stateroom means that you are guaranteed a Balcony stateroom. The category, location, and stateroom number to be advised before boarding. Please note you could even end up with an Obstructed view Balcony cabin.

Riviera Deck 1

Multiple Decks

Empress Deck 6

Multiple Decks

Multiple Decks

Main Deck 4

Riviera Deck 1

Upper Deck 5

Multiple Decks

Multiple Decks

Multiple Decks

Multiple Decks

Multiple Decks

Multiple Decks

Multiple Decks

Multiple Decks

Upper Deck 5

Multiple Decks

Main Deck 4

Multiple Decks

Multiple Decks

Empress Deck 6

Please note: All prices featured are per person (unless otherwise stated),
and include non commission fares (taxes, fees and port expenses).
Prices and availability are subject to change due to changes made by the Cruise Companies.
Prices quoted are based on payments made via BPAY or bank transfer.
Visa and Mastercard payments incur a 1.5% transaction fee.

Onboard experience

Carnival Spirit Restaurants, Bars & Eateries

Cost Included Dining Options

Carnival Cruise Empire Dining Room

The Carnival Cruise Empire dining room is the main dining room onboard Carnival Spirit and offers an exquisite and cosey environment. You can enjoy a full three course menu here! It’s a fantastic experience that’s filling, but will never stuffy. Dessert’s included as well as the rest of your meal and they are all included in your Carnival Cruise fare. But don’t skip to dessert straightly, as the main course is actually the main attraction; drop in daily and enjoy a rotating menu of delectable favourites, including steak, seafood and prime rib.

Lido Restaurant

Offering a variety of casual dining options like Chef's Choice, Salad Bar, Carnival Deli and more, the Lido Restaurant on Carnival Spirit has something to satisfy your craving. With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and food options for everyone, you can enjoy your personal favourites, while dining with family and friends. It’s also where you can find the Pizza Pirate pizza station and Swirls ice cream spots… both open 24 hours a day, which ought to be enough for anybody. Kids are gonna love it!

Guy's Burger Joint

Carnival Cruises has teamed up with the best-selling American author, restaurateur and Food Network personality Guy Fieri, to bring all the authentic appeal of a roadside burger shack to Guy’s Burger Joint, the cool poolside spot for hot burgers and hand-cut fries. Try a fresh-off-the-grill burger Guy’s way, or take it off-road to the toppings bar and truly make it your own.

BlueIguana Cantina

Nobody knows Mexican dining like a blue iguana. Well, blue iguana on Carnival Spirit at least. That’s why it should come as no surprise that the BlueIguana Cantina features freshly made tacos and burritos stuffed specially for you. Put the homemade tortillas and salsa into the mix, and you have your own casual dining experience that will make you wanna say “mmmm” (which is actually Iguanese for “more, please”).

Pizza Pirate

Tossing dough is an age-old art passed down the generations. Lucky for you, someone passed us the secret to the perfect pizza. While aboard, this is the place that will shiver your timbers and warm you to the bone, 24 hours a day, with a Margherita, Funghi, Prosciutto, Pepperoni or Quattro Formaggi pizza. Savvy? Then it’s the pirate’s life for you!

Fat Jimmy's C-Side BBQ

Your desire for a great barbie will be 100% satisfied when you cruise with Carnival Spirit. Fat Jimmy simmers sauces and serves up backyard-and-beach-cookout fare like Italian sausage, barbecue chicken breast, and of course the classic pulled-pork sandwiches. He hasn’t forgotten the details either, the sides that get your barbeque juices flowing: roasted pumpkin, coleslaw, and potato salad, to name a few. Bring everyone, because like any great family gathering, the food’s awesome, free… and there’s plenty of it.

Off The Grill

Join masters of the grill as they practice their craft right in front of you, serving up outdoor favourites like hamburgers, hot dogs and grilled chicken. Smother them with sautéed onions and mushrooms, or go traditional with some tomato sauce and mustard. Either way, Off the Grill is the perfect place to enjoy these classics by the pool.

The Taste Bar

voyage to new destinations is always the perfect time to try new things… and The Taste Bar is the perfect place. Drop by for a taste of the flavours awaiting you at dining venues across the Carnival fleet. Pick up a complimentary appetiser before dinner for a taste of something different.

Special Diets

Carnival’s chefs are specially-trained to prepare food options for a variety of diets including vegetarian, gluten-free, kosher, Indian vegetarian, or food low in carbs, fat, sugar or cholesterol and more. So you don’t have to let your dietary restrictions restrict you from having a great time with Carnival Spirit. There are also helpful hints on our Empire Dining menu.

Carnival Cruises Kids' Menu

Kids' menu is available at most of the dining venues on Carnival Spirit featuring delicious foods along with full of fun. Even the pickiest of eaters will definitely be satisfied. You can find all the familiar options your kids love at home, such as chicken nuggets, spaghetti and meatballs, mac-n-cheese, hot dogs, jam sanwiches and peanut butter and fresh fruit and veggies! But don't forget to tell your little ones to save room for dessert! Young'uns are going to be pretty excited with sweet stuff like chocolate brownies and banana splits. Pizza and ice cream are even available 24-hour on Carnival Spirit, though they are subject to be-time.

Cost Required Dining Options

Nouveau Restaurant

Enjoy the finest aged beef, cut, weighed and char-grilled to your exact specifications. In addition to mouth-watering steaks, a variety of other delectable main courses — like double-cut lamb chops, lobster tail and grilled fish fillet — are available.

The intimate atmosphere and extensive menu includes 17 gourmet entrées, salads, soups and side dishes. These do more than delight; they complement the season's freshest produce and the best wine lists, and are handpicked by our chefs to perfectly match the wide-ranging cuisine.

Bonsai Sushi

Check out Bonsai Sushi, the next generation onboard seafood-and-soy-sauce spot. Dine amidst expertly-pruned bonsai trees while enjoying sit-down service and an affordable menu of delectable catches… plus soups, sides, sakés and desserts. So the next time you’re taking an onboard stroll, stop at Bonsai Sushi for a roll, a box or maybe a whole ship — it feeds two, and keeps them satisfied.

The Chef's Table

Treat your taste buds to the experience of a lifetime, culminating in a sumptuous multicourse dinner hosted by one of the master chefs. Your VIP experience starts with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres for a select group of 12, followed by a tour to see the galley in operation. The evening concludes with a mind-blowing full-service dinner of amazing appetisers, entrees and desserts not found on regular dining menus. Tip: Reserve early because this once-in-a-lifetime experience has limited seating. Reservations can be made at the ship’s Guest Services desk.

Coffee Bar

Why not treat yourself to a latté, macchiato, cappuccino or whichever coffee takes your fancy, as the onboard baristas, professionally trained in Aussie coffee brewing techniques, serve up your favourites. Selections of teas are also available; savour the aroma and have a delicious homemade pastry on the side or, for an even sweeter option, stop by for a milkshake, slice of cake or biscuit.

Seafood Corner

Freshies Corner gives you a taste of the ocean with a range of tasty morsels and light meals including pots of fresh prawns or mussels, classic fish n’ chips, kumera fries, freshly grilled chicken focaccias, and the new bespoke Spirit Burger. What’s more, Carnival ambassador and Biggest Loser Trainer Shannan Ponton has worked with our ships’ chefs to design a nutritious snack – a turkey burger on a chia and quinoa bun – to add to the existing range. Freshies Corner offers the perfect option after a full day of fun in the sun. A nominal surcharge will apply to purchases.

24 hour Room Service

So you're in the mood for some good eats, but you’d rather stay in your comfy, cozy stateroom? Really, who could blame you? Simply pick up the phone and order something from our tasty room service menu. And since you get hungry when you get hungry, room service is available any time of the day (or night) and delivered right to your door.

Carnival Spirit Onboard Entertainment

Art Gallery

Artists Lobby On Carnival Spirit

Art Auctions

If a room full of overly serious old men paying top-dollar for priceless antique works of art is your imagination of an “art auction”, then think again! Unlike a stodgy auction house, your Carnival cruise features a series of auction events designed to turn fine art into fine fun. From the rapid-fire ‘Lightning’ action to the cheap thrills of the ‘under $500’ event, there are plenty of chances to try your hand at bringing home something great and have a blast doing it. Unlike land auctions, Carnival Cruises even hold fun interactive events like the “Guess the Price” competition. That said, the onboard auctions aren’t completely without fancy trimmings — after all, what’s an auction without free-flowing champagne?

Art Exhibitions

If you are interested in art and would like to add cultrual component to your cruise, you will always be satisfied on Carnival Spirit with a series of events celebrating some exceptional works. Take part in the art-themed activities onboard or check out showcases from different artists. You can't get any closer to art like this.

Art Seminars

There are various of educational and enlightening seminars with lecture series on Carnival Spirit designed for you to enter this vibrant world. The lecture will cover both thery and technique.

Bars and Lounges

Bars and Lounges on Carnival Spirit

RedFrog Rum Bar

Carnival Cruises hit on something special with the cool Caribbean chill of the RedFrog Pub. And now the best parts of it have been brought to Carnival Spirit poolside with the RedFrog Rum Bar. Join the party at this poolside bar featuring a great selection of frog-approved Caribbean rum-based concoctions available by the glass or pitcher, plus plenty of Carnival’s signature private-label draft beer, ThirstyFrog Summer Ale.

BlueIguana Tequila Bar

BlueIguana Tequila Bar is the spot to chill and enjoy a slushy tequila drink or an ice-cold Mexican cerveza on Carnival Spirit. The menu offers up Mexican favorites, including several brands of tequila and a slew of Mexican brews. There’s a lineup of frozen concoctions, cocktails and margaritas served by the glass or by the pitcher, and even a special Mexican beer cocktail (yes, really). So, where is this little slice of Mexican paradise? Next to the pool, of course. Stay cool and take in the bar’s vacation vibe while you kick back on your cruise – that’s what official bar mascot Blue the Iguana would tell you.

Sports Bar

Cruise with Carnival Spirit doesn't mean you should miss the action back home! Whether you’re here to support your home team or you just want to check in on the scores, you’ll love the energy-filled atmosphere of the sports bar. Order your go-to drink and just kick back as you watch your favourite sports come to life on the big flat-screen TVs.

Piano Bar

This is the bar where you call the shots – and the songs. Take a seat, order your favourite drink, and tell your friendly piano player which songs you'd like to hear. Then join the sing-along for a hand-clapping, foot-tapping, finger-snapping good time. Don't feel like flexing your vocal cords? No worries. Shy songbirds are welcome here, too. And since it's open from early evening to late at night, it's the perfect spot for a before-dinner drink or singing 'til the wee hours of the evening.

Alchemy Bar

You don’t need to be a mix-master to appreciate Alchemy – you just have to be up for trying something new. Let Carnival Cruises do the magic to produce a tasty series of all-new cocktails served at this unique vintage-themed cocktail “pharmacy.” You can create your own custom concoction from a variety of unique ingredients too.

Casino Bar

Whether you win or not in the casino is an unique experience, and you can celebrate you win with your family or friends with a top-shelf drink at the Casino Bar. Located right off the casino floor, the casino bar offers your favourite cocktails, beer and wine, making this the perfect spot to celebrate with family, friends… and maybe even total strangers.

Casino

Casino On Carnival Spirit

Louis XIV Casino

The casinos on our ships feature the same popular games you would find at any fine land-based casino. Try your hand at slot machines, blackjack, roulette and poker - Roll the dice, cut the cards. Don't forget about the Carnival Players Club, a unique player's club where membership is free and all you have to do is play your favorite game.

Casino Bar

Winning big in the casino is big fun, and your next stop is celebrating with a top-shelf drink. Located right off the casino floor, the casino bar serves up your favourite cocktails, beer and wine, making this the perfect spot to celebrate with family, friends… and maybe even total strangers.

HASBRO, The Game Show

HASBRO on Carnival Spirit

You've played Connect 4, but have you ever played giant versions of them onstage in a competition that puts your gaming skills to the test? You'll have your chance when you take part in Hasbro, The Game Show. From SORRY! SLIDERS to CONNECT 4 BASKETBALL, OPERATION SAM DUNK and SIMON FLASH, you can team up with your friends and family to win great prizes, all in front of a live audience. Be sure to check your daily onboard itinerary for show times so you don't miss out on the action … or the prizes.

You can also take part in Life-Size TRIVIAL PURSUITS Quizzes, and interactive CLEUDO, find out which crew member was the murder, in which part of the ship and with what!

Kids Club

Kids Club on Carnival Spirit

Camp Ocean For 2-11 Yrs

Exclusively on Carnival Spirit, designed for kids aged 2-11 years is overflowing with ocean-themed, supervised fun.

Circle "C" For 12-14 Yrs

One of the coolest spots on Carnival Spirit is Circle "C" and it's just for kids 12-14...Video games, dance parties, late night movies, Karaoke and more. What could be funner?

Club O2 For 15-17 Yrs

We know just what teenagers 15-17 like. With a non-alocholic bar, dance floor, lazy lounge area and all the latest video games! Carnival Spirit Club O2's got it; the perfect 'round-the-clock hangout full of the funnest things to do.

Seuss at Sea

From the Whimsical and wonderful world of Dr Seuss comes interactive story time, arts & craft, a larger then life Green Eggs & Ham Breakfast* and a Seuss-a-Palooza parade.

Night Owls*

Let us entertain the kids (aged 12 months - 11 years) with late night games, fun and munchies. Available 10pm-1am every night*

Note: Self-service launderettes located are on the stateroom decks. There are two or three washers and dryers, and one iron and ironing board in each launderette. The cost is $3.25 per washer load and $3.25 per dryer load. Vending machines dispense small boxes of detergent and water softener at $1.50 per box. Note: Due to local environmental requirements, the washing machines in the guest launderette will be closed in port, per each ports specific requirements; the dryers and irons will be available for guest use.

Swimming

Main Pool on Carnival Spirit

POOL DAY! Whether today's the day for a bit of a dip, a dash of splash or even some swimming — or just a serious poolside lounging session — your Carnival Spirit has just the pool for you. In fact, pools are so important to a great cruise that we designed our ships to have a few of them. At an aft pool you'll catch a breeze, plus a sea view featuring the ship's wake, while midship pools are adjacent to that oh so sweet 24/7 ice-cream spot! And no matter which you find yourself chilling in, the sunbeams are there for the taking!

Discos/Night Clubbing

Night Life On Carnival Spirit

Dancin' Dance Clubs

The nightclubs on Carnival Spirit have amazing dance floors and great music. Enjoy the "oldies" and the latest in pop songs while you showcase your dance moves. It's the perfect place to have fun with friends both old and new.

If dancing isn't your thing just hang out and enjoy the music, the atmosphere and the company. The "Fun Ship" clubs are filled with excitement, laughter, and fun. And you just have to check out the Sail Away Party, Fun Hop, Captain's Party and/or Late Night Deck Party. Come, have a great time, and dance the night away.

Serenity Nights

It's club night on the South Pacific in the adults only Serenity Retreat. Chill out as the drinks flow and the glow sticks glow!

WaterWorks

Onboard Waterpark on Carnival Spirit

Waterworks

Wanna splish and splash the day away? Head on over to Carnival WaterWorks, our very own onboard waterpark. First up, there’s Carnival's Twister Waterslide, designed to make other waterslides jealous. It’s four decks high and 300 feet of spiraling awesomeness, and the largest of any cruise ship. Then there’s the 82-foot-long side-by-side racing slides that are the centerpieces of shallow splash pools with multiple fountains and water sprays. And this isn’t just kids’ stuff – the young at heart are encouraged to zoom down the waterslides too!

Green Thunder - 122 cm minimum height
Twister - 106 cm minimum height
There is a water works area for the younger children which is unrestricted.

Serenity

Serenity on Carnival Spirit

Serenity Adult Only Retreat

Somebody at Carnival knows just what you need. You’ll still be on the same ship as the kids, the hoopla, and all the Carnival-style excitement… but you could easily forget, because when you’re at Serenity you could not be further from it all. It wouldn’t be a dream vacation without a little "me time," right? That’s what we had in mind when we created Serenity. It’s an adult only area available to guests 21 and older and features everything necessary to create the perfect tranquil "getaway within your getaway." Take advantage of complete bar service provided by attentive waiters. Chill in the sun, under one of the colorful, oversized umbrellas or in the separate shaded area. Enjoy a dip in one of the whirlpools looking out over the great blue sea. All while listening to mellow music to keep the vibe sweet and serene.

Spa

Spa & Beauty On Carnival Spirit

Spa Carnival

Need suggestions on how to get started pampering yourself "Fun Ship" style at Spa Carnival?

Try an acupuncture treatment, firming and toning therapies, and/or acclaimed skin rejuvenating facials. And if you'd like to try a massage - we've got deep tissue, reflexology, hot stones or seaweed massages, just to name a few. Let them calm, exhilarate, and invigorate your body...It's all about you. And you will get complete relaxation from the inside out.

Beauty Salon Classique

Leave your hair care concerns to Carnival Cruises. The specialists will have you looking fabulous and feeling fantastic. And don't forget to let the staff give you the manicure and pedicure you deserve. You'll feel fantastic and look fabulous.

Massage

Carnival Cruises means no stress of work. And don't worry about the real world. Take a massage on your ship at Spa Carnival. You can select from different indulgent experiences featureing seaweed for detox, herbal poultice for energy, bamboo for deep tissue penetration and hot stones for perfection. Fees apply

Men's Service

Blokes, don't envy the ladies have all the fun to themselves at the spa. Why not treat yourself a Razor-close barbershop-style shave. And cruise is a good time to rock a whole new hairstyle. If you like, you can also try the massage or even a facial. Fees apply

Sports & Fitness

Sports and Fitness on Carnival Spirit

Fitness Centre

Gym is available on Carnival Spirit which means there’s no excuse for leaving your fitness routine back on land. It's great news for your body, which will definitely benefit from all the extra energy that a rejuvenating cruise is sure to generate. Don't forget the extra time you’ll have on your cruise vacation, since you won’t be waking up and spending most of the day at the office or anything like that. However this is not your excuse to leave the gym. We all know that keeping fit is important.

Basketball Court

Playing basketball on Carinval Spirit is a lifetime memory. Imagine it: the view and the sea breeze you take in as you do your cross over and drive your way past defenders to put the ball in the basket.

Mini Golf

Yes, you are right! Golf! Imagine a perfect day out on the links, the golfer's zen of the ball, the hole and nothing in between but a well-manicured fairway... plus one cactus, a treasure chest... and wait, is that a windmill in the way? Just who designed this course anyway? Whoever it was, they had one thing in mind — maximum fun for mini-golfers, big and small! Just go and find a course on every Carnival ship, where you can hit the holes and take in everything you’d expect!

Entertainment, Shows and Performances

Stage Performance on Carnival Spirit

Stage Shows

Carnival's stage shows are designed to razzle and dazzle. Featuring talented singers, musicians and dancers performing crowd-thrilling numbers in extravagant costumes with awesome sets and scenery, just like catching one of the best shows on land. All performances are carefully choreographed and created to ensure that every night feels like opening night. And best of all, since shows are included in your fare, it's like having top-dollar tickets to the hottest show in town, absolutely free.

Punchliner Comedy Club

Laugh so hard you can barely breathe at Punchliners Comedy Club. Carnival have teamed up with renowned auusie Comedians to entertain everyone. From physical tom-foolery, through sharp one-liners to blood-vessel-busting bardiness, the Punchliner Comedy Club is the home of hilarity.

SuperStar Live Karaoke

Channel your inner rock king, pop princess or disco queen, and join in the fun at SuperStar Live Karaoke. You don’t just pick the song you want to sing — you perform it backed by a live band playing electric guitar, bass, drums, keyboards and, yes, even your own back-up singers. To show off your skills, you just need to sign-up with the on-site host in the designated SuperStar Karaoke lounge on board. You can choose from hundreds of titles that span a wide variety of genres, from Motown, country and rock classics to today’s pop hits.

Shopping

The Fun Shops on Carnival Spirit

Duty Free Shops

"Shop 'til you drop," right? Wrong — you still have a lot of vacation fun ahead of you! Get your shopping done without dropping, stop by the convenient Fun Shops, located aboard your next Carnival cruise. We've got some of the greatest deals you'll find anywhere on jewellery, watches, cosmetics and alcohol... plus unique Carnival products you can only definitely find here.

Cherry On Top

A candy-and-more-store at sea! Cherry On Top is the perfect place to indulge in an array of candy and chocolates as well as spoil that someone special with a deliciously sweet gift.

Theme Nights

Theme Nights on Carnival Spirit

Theme Nights on Carnival Spirit

For itineraries three (3) days or less you will have one Mexican Fiesta Deck Party.

For itineraries four - five (4-5) days, there will be one 80s Rock 'n' Glow Deck Party.

For itineraries of six (6) days or more there will be two deck parties onboard so pack a sombrero for the Mexican Fiesta Deck Party and/or something fluro for our 80s Rock 'n' Glow Deck Party. There will also be a Caribbean/Island Theme Night in the dining room.

Be ready to dance, sing and party the night away. We do not sell any costume merchandise onboard our ships, so it is best to come prepared and pack something before you leave.

Dress to Impress

Get Formal Photo ready during the Cruise Elegany evenings and enjoy a night of high class at sea.

BlueIguanas Mexican Fiesta

Tequila, cerveza and tacos bring fun to this deckparty. with DJ's, dancing and fextivites it's a tast of Tijuana at sea!

RedFrog's Island beach Party

This island style deck party brings the island vibe, with rum-based drinks making sure the party keeps moving.

80's Rock N Roll Deck Party

Shoulder pads, flouro, sweatbands and 80's rocker wigs and dancing the night away with a rock band. Prizes for best costumes are also given away.

Ship info

CARNIVAL SPIRIT is the floating resort that ushered in the Spirit-class ships with innovations like the two-level promenade and the reservations-recommended steakhouse. The delicious dining, wide variety of onboard activities and endless entertainment options on the CARNIVAL SPIRIT complete a cruise experience like no other. This ship also has all the aquatic fun you could want on your vacation, featuring pools, Carnival's Twister Waterslide, and even the Sliding Sky Dome, which instantly brings all the comfort of an indoor space to the outdoor aft pool. Why not book your cruise aboard the CARNIVAL SPIRIT today?

Vessel: Carnival Spirit

Year: 2001

Beam: 106ft

Cruising speed: 22kn

Gross Tonnage: 85,900

Passenger Capacity: 2,124

Fitness Center & Sauna

Youth Program

Beauty Salon

Chippendale Library and Internet Cafe

Pharaoh's Palace (Main Show Lounge)

The Champion's Sports Bar

Cruise reviews

"Absolutely Amazing "

Our family had a blast , carnival think of everything. The staff all over the ship were amazing ,so friendly and helpful. Entertainment was great . Soooooooo much food and yum. This was my family's 1st cruise and we can't wait to book again. We did isle of pines, lifou, noumea and mystery island OMG so beautiful what a way to holiday . Loved it

"Carnival Spirit, 10 nights South Pacific"

We just returned from the Pacific Islands 10 night cruise (May 2014) on Carnival Spirit, who our two children 8 & 10.
First cruise for all of us and we really enjoyed it. Good food, great staff (from waiters, bar staff and Cabin Stewards) and things were very well organised when it came to boarding and disembarking the ship, whether it was the 4 ports of call or when boarding in Sydney and returning.
Carnival have staggered check in times where you pick your preferred time to board, (not sure if other ships do it, but Iâ€™m told Carnival are the only ones) and it works a treat. We turned up about 45mins before our check in time with our bags already tagged & our luggage was taken off our hands for us outside the Passenger Terminal. That frees you up to walk around for a while without all the main luggage while waiting for your check in time. When that time came it was all very efficient and we were on the ship in under 30 mins.
Same with disembarking at the ports of call. Thereâ€™s a tendering system where you go and collect a numbered ticket when youâ€™re ready to go and theyâ€™ll call your number when the tender boat is ready. We never waited more than 20mins. They run about 4 tender boats constantly ferrying people to the islands, you turn up when called and the boat is waiting for you.
Food ranged from good to excellent (never had a bad meal)
Buffet has a wide variety ( too much to list here, but itâ€™s good quality), you can have anything from the usual hot food right through to a salad bar, fresh Pizzas made to order (24/7) and sandwich bar where theyâ€™ll make fresh wraps to order or a simple toasted sandwich. Also 24/7 ice-cream by the pools.
Empire Dining room for Main evening meal also good to excellent. Some meals were better than others, but never a bad one. Waiter staff are very attentive and professional. If turning up for a pre-selected dining time (either 5.30 or 7.45pm) youâ€™re looked after straight away. The first night our kids ordered some drinks and the next night when we tuned up, the drinks were already there waiting for them. Little things like that which impressed us. When you do order, itâ€™s never more than 10-15 mins for each meal to come out.
Some great entertainment as well during the meal, usually just after everyoneâ€™s mains. Some of the waiter staff sang on a number of nights and they were brilliant, with all the waiter staff dancing as well. Iâ€™ve read some reviews where people described it as â€˜annoyingâ€™- some people are obviously hard to please no matter what! What it did offer was a great atmosphere and was never overdone, it made the evening even more enjoyable
Breakfast you can also have in the Empire Room (where youâ€™re waited on) or head up to Deck 9 to the Buffet which we did most mornings. Having breakfast at the buffet means being able to enjoy the wide ocean views while having a big breakfast! Once again a large variety as well as fresh omelettes made to order
Great deck side BBQ as well (Fat Jimmyâ€™s) at lunch time, with really nice food.
We also had dinner one night in the 5 star Nouveau Restaurant up on Deck 10. Thatâ€™s an additional charge at $40/head, but great value for 4 courses and the food is EXCELLENT. Itâ€™s worth doing at least 1 night there.
Beer (close to schooner size) average $8 a beer, cocktails around $10, kids Mocktails $6 and softdrinks $2.25 each (large). Best value though is to buy the kids soft drink package at $5.50 day and its unlimited refills. We didnâ€™t let our kids drink soft drink non-stop, but if they had one throughout the day and 1 at dinner, plus the odd extra here and there, the $5.50 day is well worth it. If we fancied a soft drink as well, weâ€™d simply have one of the kids go up and get it for us. You can buy the adultâ€™s soft drink package at $7.50 day, but why bother when you can have one of the kids go on an undercover mission and get you a soft drink as part of their deal!
Cabins were serviced twice daily if you leave your little service request thingy on the door, so we always came back to a tidy cabin. Nice hot showers with good water pressure in the cabins as well!
Pay the extra and get a balcony, itâ€™s nice to have the fresh air and the ability to sit outside and take in the views in privacy every now and then.
Try to avoid booking shore excursions on board the ship and do your own thing, as theyâ€™re notoriously expensive. The Mele Cascades for eg is about 20 mins out of Port Villa & is a fantastic must see, however if you book on board youâ€™ll be charged $86 AUD /adult and $56/child to book the ships tour.
We caught a taxi when we arrived in Port Villa (theyâ€™re all there waiting for you looking for your business) and paid a total $80 Aud for the 4 of us. For that our friendly Taxi driver â€˜Maxâ€™ drove us through town pointing out some sights and took us all the way to the falls. We did have to pay our entry to the falls when we arrived ($25 AUD/adult, $15/child), but still saved us $120 in total compared to booking an â€˜organised tourâ€™ on the ship. He then waited 2.5 hours for us while we walked up and swam, then took us to a local village ( not the one they sell on the ship) where we had our own personal tour and tribal dance. He then took us back into town and dropped us off while we had a look around the local markets. We made our own way back to the ship for $15 for the 4 of us on one of the local mini buses that keep passing through town offering you trips back to the ship.
Mystery Island & Lifou mainly consisted of swimming and snorkelling- but both very nice spots. Beautiful clear water. Once again you can pay for some local tours once on the islands, but we didnâ€™t bother. Lifou you can walk up to the old Church as well as a great look out, and then head back to the main beach and swim (for free). There is a coral snorkelling are on the back side of the island which is a protected reserve, which you need to book tickets for on the ship ($18.50/adult), spoke to some people who did it and said it was beautiful.
The only tour we booked on board was the yellow â€˜Choo Chooâ€™ train tour of Noumea- manly because the kids wanted to do it. This was the only one of the 4 port days where we booked a tour. It was expensive at $199 for the 4 of us, but was actually quite good. It was 2hrs in duration, picked you up and returned you to the ship ( we chose to get off in town on the way back) showed us all of the main sights of Noumea with a couple of â€˜look outâ€™ stops and also included fresh pastries and cold drinks at one of the stops. The guide was also informative. BUTâ€”hereâ€™s a tip. Get on the free shuttle bus that Carnival operates to take you from the main port (itâ€™s a container terminal) into the Visitors Centre in town ( about a 5min drive) and you can book a â€˜green trainâ€™ tour from there, that does exactly the same thing for just over half the price! We only discovered that after booking the one on board the ship. The green train tour is a little shorter at 1.5 hours and doesnâ€™t include the snacks as far as I could tell, but is the extra 30mins and snacks worth the extra $$?? We would have done that if weâ€™d known. Otherwise catch the townâ€™s shuttle bus where you can jump on and off for about 10-15 bucks a person I think.
On our last day at sea we did the â€˜Behind the Fun tourâ€™, which is 3 hours long and takes you through a lot of the restricted areas of the ship (including the theatre, Galley â€“ where you get to enjoy freshly baked pastries, Engine Control room, staff quarters, food stores) and finally the Bridge, where we got to meet the Captain, had our photographs taken with him and had the opportunity to ask questions. At $95/person it is expensive- but worth every cent. If you plan on doing it, book it on the first day, as theyâ€™re limited (only 2 tours on the last 2 sea days) and they sell out quick.
Would we do another Carnival cruise?- absolutely
If youâ€™re high maintenance and need constant entertainment than maybe a cruise isnâ€™t your thing, but if youâ€™re happy to chill out and take it easy for a while, taking in in the cruise experience and slowing down your pace a little while out at sea on the non-port days, then youâ€™ll enjoy yourself.
Having said that though, thereâ€™s still plenty of activities arranged every day and you can do as little or as much as you want. Eli the Cruise director was very informative & good humoured. Communication on board was always excellent, keeping guests informed on the where, what & how of things to ensure everything ran smoothly.
Some fun pool side competitions as well, on our last sea day we had a live ice sculpture demonstration by the pool
Complaints? None really. The only minor ones would be the pre-cooked toast at the buffet was like rock! Thereâ€™s toasters scattered around so you can cook your own toast, but not enough of them. All the fantastic sweets on offer seemed to disappear from the buffet around 2.30-300pm, and then re-appear around dinner time. So if you fancy afternoon tea by the pool later in the day, grab some before the buffet closes. The Empire Room though did have â€˜Tea Timeâ€™ which was 3-4pm, we didnâ€™t get to that but assume that was a cake/coffee/afternoon tea type of thing.
We had a great time and for the money was very good value. We look forward to the next one!

"First time - ready for next NOW!"

What a great way to holiday. So relaxing. The ship was so clean and staff so happy and friendly. I expected sea sickness but was fine - do not let that thought stop you from cruising. A brilliant departure leaving from next to the Sydney harbour bridge & the Opera House. We had a balcony room - so great waking up to a different island or port each day. I recommend going to discussion sessions on what to do on board, excursions, etc. as you learn a lot which in turn makes your cruise more enjoyable. Our cruise finished one week ago & have been looking for our next one eve since - would go again tomorrow.

"Exceeded expectations "

Carnival Spirit exceeded our cruising expectations from the moment we checked-in! They have a free onboard app to plan our days which we could add events to a planner that would alert us to our selected events, these events ranged from wellbeing seminars, trivias, bands, comedian, sales, art auctions and the list goes on. We enjoyed the various bars which all had signature cocktails, the bands and singers were fabulous and even took requests. The food was in abundance, from the free eateries to the fine dining we were catered for no matter our tastes or desires, offering gluten free and vegetarian options. The crew and staff are amazing, so helpful, friendly and always up for a chat and a laugh. No wonder we had cruising withdrawals! Carnival, you will definitely be seeing us again!!

"Amazing carnival cruise "

The Carnival spirit is my first cruise and was beyond what I had expected. Upon arrival I was pleasantly surprised by the friendliness of the crew aboard. Throughout my time aboard i was well looked after and all i had to do was relax. Everything was well thought out, including a handy itinerary of daily activities that was delivered to my room. The food on board was great - both at the buffet and restaurants - no complaints there. The staff at the restaurants were very accommodating, namely Ekadana, Putu and Trisna. They were very friendly and professional and most importantly gave great service. Further the restaurant was impeccable as was the rest of the ship.
On board activities were fun and ongoing throughout the day. They were always entertaining. Entertainment at the Pharoh's palace was good, but it would have been better to see something different other than singing most nights. It was great to see a lot of variety in the on board duty free shops; it was money well spent. Note to self: buying lots of cheap gifts adds up to big money!
The islands of New Caledonia was an enjoyable experience. There was no need to book tours to experience what the islands had to offer A bus trip around each island and time spent among the white sand beaches were enough to satisfy an insatiable appetite for paradise. The locals, natives and foods were absolutely devine.
Overall the cruise was a delight and it was well worth the money. I have come back refreshed and would happily go on this same cruise line again.